1 killed, 1 injured in Walt Disney World Speedway crash

April 14th, 2015 by Staff

Terry, 36, was a senior operations manager and driving instructor.

(WKMG.COM) LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A Lamborghini involved in a fatal crash at the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World was traveling 100 mph at the time of the wreck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Gary Terry, a senior operations manager and driving instructor at the attraction and a passenger in the car, died in the crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The attraction, part of the Richard Petty Driving Experience, allows people to get behind the wheel of high-performance luxury cars and drive around the track at high speeds.

The FHP said a customer, identified as 24-year-old Tavon Watson, failed to maneuver the Lamborghini Superleggera through the course and lost control of the vehicle. The right side of the car struck a guardrail.

Terry, 36, of Davenport, Florida, was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said. Watson was taken to Celebration Hospital with minor injuries. Both were wearing lap-shoulder belts and helmets, the FHP said.

Troopers were looking at the video of the final moments before the crash occurred as Terry tried to save both himself and the driver he was instructing.

“The passenger, who’s the instructor, actually grabbed the steering wheel trying to straighten out the steering wheel,” said Sgt. Kim Montes with FHP. “They slid off the course and the passenger side door impacted the guard rail.”

According to Disney World’s website, before anyone is allowed behind the wheel of a car, they receive in-car and on-track training from experienced instructors.

“We offer our deepest sympathy to those involved in today’s tragic accident,” a Walt Disney World representative said in a statement Sunday night.

“We lost a longtime, valued team member of the Exotic Driving Experience family,” Petty Holdings, which operates the attraction, said Monday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary’s family and friends. He will be sorely missed.”

“I will always love you. Thanks for all the memories. Godspeed,” was posted on Terry’s brother’s Facebook page.

The crash remains under investigation, and the attraction will be closed Monday and Tuesday, officials said.
FHP said the driver won’t be charged and say they have no reason to believe alcohol or drugs were involved.

Disney recently announced plans to close the track in August to make improvements to its parking lot.

The incident was the first deadly crash at the Walt Disney World Speedway. A 60-year-old customer suffered a heart attack and died in a crash at the Richard Petty Experience at Daytona International Speedway in 2008.

Stay with Local 6 News and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this developing story.

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